A FORMER County Durham barmaid celebrated her centenary yesterday.

Frances Grady, of Flass Avenue, Ushaw Moor, near Durham, served for many years behind the bar at Ushaw Moor Workingmen's Club.

Having long since retired, she celebrated her 100th birthday by attending a special mass in her honour at St Joseph's Catholic Church, Ushaw Moor, followed by a party in the church hall.

Mrs Grady, a widow, survives two sons and has two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Her eldest granddaughter, Judith Robinson, 46, said: "When she worked behind the bar, she was so small she had to stand on a crate. She's always been a hard worker - I think that's her secret."